ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Science & Technology
New plateau type discovered from Maharashtra could prove to be a repository of information to study climate change effects on species survival
A rare low-altitude basalt plateau housing 76 species of plants and shrubs from 24 different families discovered in Thane region in the Western Ghats—one of the four global biodiversity hotspots in India, can prove to be a repository of information for species interactions. It can help study effects of climate change on species survival and increase awareness of the conservation needs of rock outcrops and their immense biodiversity value in the global context.
The Western Ghats is one of four global biodiversity hotspots in India, and Agharkar Research Institute  in Pune has been studying its biodiversity, particularly its rock outcrops, for a decade. Plateaus are dominant landscapes in the Western Ghats, significant because of the predominance of endemic species. They are classified as a type of rock outcrop and provides unique and challenging environment for species to adapt to. These outcrops have seasonal water availability, limited soil and nutrients, making them ideal laboratories to study the effects of climate change on species survival. Plateaus are thus a valuable source of insight into how species can survive in extreme conditions.
The ARI team led by Dr. Mandar Datar recently discovered a rare low-altitude basalt plateau in Manjare village, Thane district. This is the fourth type of plateau to be identified in the region; the previous three are laterites at high and low altitudes and basalt at high altitudes.
Surveying the plateau, the team documented 76 species of plants and shrubs from 24 different families. The authors believe this is an important discovery, as the plateau shares the vegetation with the three other rock outcrops, simultaneously holding a few unique species. This gives a unique model system to study the species interactions in varying environmental conditions.
The research paper published recently in SpringerNature journal National Academy of Science Letters has highlighted the importance of the newly discovered low-level basalt plateau located in Manjare Village of Thane district in the Northern western Ghats, standing 156 m above mean sea level.
For further details Dr Mandar Datar , Scientist, Biodiversity and Palaeobiology Group, and Dr PK Dhakephalkar, Director , ARI, Pune,  can be contacted.
Publication Link: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40009-022-01188-6
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
Gadkari calls for innovative policy-making and transformative change in villages and rural areas
Union Minister for MSME and Road Transport & Highways, Sh. Nitin Gadkari has called for lasting and transformative change at the village level, through innovative, research-based technology specially adapted for rural areas. Addressing a workshop at the Mahatma Gandhi International Hindi University at Wardha in Maharashtra, the Minister pointed out that Village Industries and Khadi generate as much as Rs.88,000 crores on an annual basis. This can be increased if policy is flexible, and innovative, and is aimed at improving the life of people living in villages. The Minister also stressed that goods produced by village industries can be sold better if they are marketed better.
Recalling the philosophy of Mahatma Gandh, VinobhaBhave, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, Ram Manohar Lohia and Jayaprakash Narayan, he said that their aim was the same – to improve the lives of the poor living in villages. Unless solutions are found to ensure that employment is generated in the villages, and they are clean and have enough facilities, the dreams of these leaders will not be fulfilled, he said. Migration of as much as 30% of the country’s population from rural areas took place since independence due to lack of growth of the village economy, the Minister said.`
Pointing out that MSMEs contribute 30% of the GDP of India, and there are 6.5 crore units, Sh. Gadkari said the government’s aim is to increase the contribution to 40% of GDP, so that rural poor are benefited. Policy has to be made which will empower the poor, he emphasised. The Minister said “We are not in favour of westernization, but we are in favour of modernization, in the villages. This is the time for socio-economic transformation”
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Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Para cyclist Shri Akshay Singh, using ALIMCO Prosthesis, attempts Limca Book of Record for Cycling
He covers the distance from Kanpur to Delhi in record time of 64 hours
Shri Akshay Singh, a young cyclist enthusiast from Kanpur , lost his right leg in a train accident in his teenage while returning from Allahabad. The incident was a big setback for the family as well as the young boy, who was aspiring to inch his name in the world cycling canvas.
Para cyclist Shri Akshay Singh
But he never let this disability change his goals of life and continued to peruse his passion of cycling along with his studies. During the course of time, Akshay and his parents came to know about Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India . He approached the prosthetic professional of ALIMCO for fitting of newly developed high-end Prosthesis.
Shri Akshay Singh, using ALIMCO Prosthesis, attempted Limca Book of Record for cycling from Kanpur  to New Delhi  on 29th Aug., 2021
Right Leg Amputee Shri Akshay was examined and fitted with ALIMCO made Below Knee Prosthesis under the Government of India Scheme of Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids/Appliances . Thereafter, he followed GAIT training program. GAIT training is a type of physical therapy. It helps improving one’s ability to stand and walk. Later on, in August 2021, Shri Akshay Singh attempted the Limca Book of Record for Cycling from Kanpur to India Gate, New Delhi in record 64 hours’ time and was able to achieve it successfully.
ABOUT ALIMCO: -
Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India  is a Central Public Sector Enterprise. It functions under the Administrative Control of Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
The main objectives of the ALIMCO is to promote, encourage and develop the availability, use, supply and distribution of Artificial Limbs and accessories and constituents thereof to needy persons, particularly disabled Defence personnel, hospitals and other such welfare institutions in the country at reasonable cost.
It is benefiting the persons with disability to the maximum possible extent by manufacturing Rehabilitation Aids for persons with disabilities and by promoting, encouraging and developing the availability, use, supply and distribution of Artificial Limbs and other Rehabilitation Aids to the disabled persons of the country.
Main thrust of ALIMCO is to provide better quality of Aids & Appliances to larger number of disabled persons at reasonable price. The Corporation started manufacturing artificial aids in 1976. It has five Auxiliary Production Centres  situated at Bhubaneswar , Jabalpur , Bengaluru , Chanalon  and Ujjain. The Corporation has five Marketing Centres at New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad & Guwahati.
ALIMCO is the only manufacturing company which produces various types of assistive devices under one roof to serve all types of disabilities across the country.
Ministry of Cooperation
Revival of Cooperatives
The Country already has a rich cooperative heritage and a robust cooperative sector. There are two types of co-operative structures in the country i.e. State Cooperative Societies and Multi- State Cooperative Societies. The Cooperative Societies functioning in one state only are governed by the laws of the respective State Government and the cooperative societies functioning in more than one state are governed by the Central law, namely, ‘the Multi-State Co- operative Societies Act, 2002 ’. Any issues related to their administration are dealt at respective levels. However, to give new dimensions and to further strengthen the cooperative sector in the country through policy and other interventions, Government has created the new Ministry of Cooperation to provide a separate administrative, legal and policy framework for strengthening the cooperative movement in country.
As per the statistical profile of National Cooperative Union of India  2018, there are 8.54 lakh cooperative units in the country. Some of the issues affecting accelerated and equitable growth of cooperatives, inter alia, are lack of effective governance, leadership and professional management in cooperative units, low level of technology adoption.
New National Cooperative Policy and schemes are being drafted with the aim to deepen co- operatives as a true people-based movement reaching up to the grassroots and develop a cooperative based economy model including giving focus on ‘Make in India’. This will address all developmental issues of cooperatives. Inputs / suggestions of the stakeholders including Central Government Ministries have been sought.
To make cooperatives more transparent and efficient, the Ministry has started stakeholder consultations on relevant interventions viz. creation of a National database of Cooperatives, digitalisation of about 63000 active Primary Agriculture Credit Societies .
This was stated by the Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Textiles
Impact of Covid-19 on Cotton Industry
Ministry of Textileshas undertaken special measures in COVID crisis to support liquidity flow to the textile industry including cotton textile sector by introducing an option to release part subsidy against Bank Guarantee  in facilitating the subsidy release process. Total 400 units are supported with Rs 100.36 crore under Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme  and 20 units with Rs.42.52 crore under RR-TUFS. The estimated month wise production of cotton yarn for the year 2020-21  is given in Annexure.
The average domestic price of cotton is cheaper by around 14% during the current cotton season as compared to the International cotton price. India is one of the largest exporters of cotton in the World. China, Vietnam, Bangladesh are not cotton exporting countries, but cotton importing countries.
In order to work out annual sourcing plan under “Fabric forward Policy initiatives, India, Bangladesh Textile Industry Forum  has been institutionalized.
This information was given in a written reply by the Union Minister of Textiles, Smt. SmritiZubinIrani in LokSabha today.
PIB Headquarters
Observatory to be opened for public on March 23
Every year March 23rd is celebrated as World Meteorological Day with a pertinent topic as a theme of celebration. The theme for this year is "Understanding Clouds".
The Meteorological Centre at the Observatory in Thiruvananthapuram is celebrating World Meteorological Day by keeping it open to public on 23rd March 2017.
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Cabinet
Cabinet approves signing of MoU between India and Bangladesh in the field of judicial sector cooperation
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved signing of MoU between India and Bangladesh in the field of judicial sector cooperation. It is aimed at developing, promoting and strengthening mutual cooperation between the judiciaries of the two countries.
The MoU provides for promoting mutual interaction among judges and officials at various levels of the judiciary through exchange visits, training and academic programmes. It will also encourage mutual exchange of information on latest developments in the field of law and justice. It will enable exchange of knowledge in infrastructure and information technology in this field.
Ministry of Food Processing Industries
M/o Food Processing Industries is implementing various Schemes like, PMKSY, PLISFP and PMFME to increase level of food- processing industry and encourage rural entrepreneurship across the country, including rural areas
In order to increase the level of food- processing industry and encouraging rural entrepreneurship across the country including rural areas, Ministry Food Processing Industries  is implementing Central Sector Umbrella Scheme Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana , Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industry  and Centrally sponsored PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises  Scheme.
Union Minister of State for M/o Food Processing Industries, Shri Prahlad Singh Patel informs Rajya Sabha, in a written reply to a question, that the PMFME Scheme provides financial, technical and business support for setting up/upgradation of 2 Lakh micro food processing enterprises through credit linked subsidy during five years from 2020-21 to 2024-25 with an outlay of Rs. 10,000 crore. Under component schemes of PMKSY, MoFPI mostly provides financial assistance in the form of grants-in-aid to entrepreneurs for creation of modern infrastructure and setting up of food processing / preservation industries including Cold Chains with associated infrastructure like primary processing facilities, collection centres, pre-conditioning, pre-cooling, ripening, packing etc.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Economic Activities resume in the region of Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab
Chandigarh, April 29,2020
Economic activities have resumed in the region as the relaxations provided under revised consolidated guidelines are coming into action. As a relief measure during lockdown, a number of activities like inter and intra state movements of goods, agricultural and horticultural activities, cold storage & warehousing activities etc. are ensuring the continuity of economic activities across the country. This shows the Government’s importance to the economy as well as continuation of its fight against COVID-19. While it has proved as big support for agriculturists the subsequent orders for opening of book shops, electrical shops, shops under shops & establishment act of respective States/ UTs are helping households dependent on these activities. All these relaxations are applicable across the country except in containment zones in hotspot districts.
The customers in Jind District in Haryana are relieved as the central government allows opening up of more categories of shops especially electrical goods and stationery in the green zones. A customer said that reopening of electrical shops will be helpful in summer season. While supporting the reopening of shops for non-essential commodities in outskirts, another customer said people should not come out unless it is important. Expressing his gratitude to the Government of India, a shopkeeper in Haryana said it will help him spend his time productively.
https://twitter.com/PIBShimla/status/1255093845122940928?s=09 
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The government agencies like Border Roads Organisation  are also ensuring that hilly and remote areas receive essential items at this crucial time. In a relief to Lahaul-Spiti valley residents, the strategic Rohtang Pass on the Manali-Leh road in Himachal Pradesh has been thrown open, three weeks ahead of the normal schedule. Resumption of construction activities have also been a great help to labourers.
https://twitter.com/PIBChandigarh/status/1255396647225430016?s=09 
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As economic activities resuming and agricultural season at full swing, the poor are supported by a relief package under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana. It was announced last month to help poor to cope up with effects of lockdown. The government of India has also launched “Aarogya Setu” app which enable people to assess themselves the risk of their catching the Corona Virus infection.
Department of Atomic Energy
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh says, Gamma irradiation technology for food preservation has already been shared with private players
At present 26 Gamma Radiation Processing Plants are operational in the country in private, semi government and government sector for irradiation of various products
Union Minister of State  Science & Technology; Minister of State  Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said Gamma irradiation technology for food preservation has already been shared with private players and presently 26 Gamma Radiation Processing Plants are operational in the country in private, semi government and government sector for irradiation of various products.
In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha regarding reforms proposed in the atomic sector recently by the Finance Minister as a part of PM’s ₹ 20 lakh crore package, the Minister said, Gamma irradiation technology is used for inhibition of sprouting in bulbs and tubers, insect disinfestation of cereals, pulses and grains, microbial decontamination  of dry spices etc. for preservation/shelf life extension by applying pre-determined radiation doses.
Setting of food irradiation facilities in the PPP mode certainly mitigates the huge quantum of post-harvest and storage losses of agricultural produce and food that results in national saving. However, reduction of food wastage will depend on various aspects such as post irradiation storage, total quantity of irradiated food products and time lapse between irradiation and distribution to users.
The Minister listed the following reforms related to Atomic Energy proposed by Hon’ble Finance Minister, Govt. of India on 16.05.2020:
 Establishing Research Reactor in PPP mode for production of medical isotopes to promote welfare of humanity through affordable treatment for cancer and other diseases.
 Establishing Facilities in PPP mode to use irradiation technology for food preservation.
 Linking India’s robust start-up ecosystem to nuclear sector by setting up Technology Development-cum-Incubation Centres for fostering synergy between research facilities and tech-entrepreneurs.
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Ministry of Defence
Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt visits Indian Coast Guard Headquarters in New Delhi
Lauds ICG’s role in protecting the country’s maritime interests despite challenges
Shri Ajay Bhatt visited Indian Coast Guard  Headquarters in New Delhi on July 14, 2021 for the first time after taking over as Raksha Rajya Mantri. During his visit, he was briefed by DG Coast Guard Shri K Natarajan and other senior officials on the capacities & capabilities of various operations of Coast Guard including firefighting, tackling oil spill, search & rescue, environment protection, anti-drug trafficking and combating transnational maritime crimes.
Interacting with the officials, the Raksha Rajya Mantri commended ICG’s role in protecting the country’s maritime interests with determination despite various challenges, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. “The Indian Coast Guard has the responsibility to ensure that India's maritime zones are safe and secure. It plays a crucial role in ensuring economic development, besides meeting the changing security challenges at sea. It is not possible to create a flawless internal and national security framework without ensuring maritime security,” he said. Shri Ajay Bhatt stressed on Security and Growth of All in the Region  envisioned by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, saying that safe, protected and clean seas provide unique economic opportunities for nation building.
Shri Ajay Bhatt also lauded ICG for saving precious lives during the recent cyclones ‘Tauktae’ and ‘YAAS’. He made special mention of the firefighting operations carried out by ICG onboard Crude Carrier Motor Tanker New Diamond in September 2020 and Motor Vessel X-Press Pearl in 2021, both off Colombo, commending them for extending support to the international community in times of distress. Appreciating ICG for its anti-drug trafficking operations at sea, he said, “It has compelled international narco syndicates to move beyond the limits of our Exclusive Economic Zone”.
Ministry of Law and Justice
Department of Justice to observe International Day of Yoga, 2022
This year International Day of Yoga is falling in the “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” year for which the Ministry of Ayush has planned to observe the International Day of Yoga  at 75 iconic locations across India which will also help in branding India on a global scale. The Prime Minister would be leading the programme from Mysuru, Karnataka.
The Ministry of Law and Justice, Department of Justice, will celebrate the IDY at its premises in Jaisalmer House, which is a heritage building.
The Department is also interacting with judiciary for smooth conduct of the International Day of Yoga, 2022 by Supreme Court of India, all the 25 High Courts and District and Subordinate Court Complexes across the country. Supreme Court of India and High Courts located in iconic buildings with unique architecture will add to the grandeur of the occasion.
At the initiative of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the United Nations General Assembly took a historic decision in 2014 to declare 21st June as the International Day of Yoga . This worldwide acceptance of Yoga is a matter of pride for our country, as Yoga is an integral part of our nation’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
The theme for this year IDY 2022 is “Yoga for Humanity” as it depicts how during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, yoga served the humanity in alleviating the suffering and in the emerging post-COVID geo-political scenario too, brings people together through compassion, kindness, fosters a sense of unity and builds resilience among people world over.
Special Service and Features
CRPF All Women Motorcycle Expedition-2023 receives reception in State
CRPF All Women Motorcycle Expedition-2023- a motorcycle rally of women officers organized by the CRPF was given a reception at the CRPF Group Centre at Pallippuram in Thiruvananthapuram. Former DGP B Sandhya, Thiruvananthapuram Range DIG. R Nishanthini, CRPF Pallippuram Group Centre, DIG Vinod Karthik, Group Centre Commandant Rajesh Yadav received the lady riders. A 50-member team led by CRPF Deputy Commandant Sindhu reached Pallippuram from Kanyakumari on 25 bikes. The aim of the rally is to promote national integration among the people of the country. They covered a distance of 97 km in 3 hours. Eight members of the group are from Kerala. Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri. A. Narayana Swamy was flagged off the rally from Kanyakumari in the morning.
Former DGP B Sandhya,who was the Chief Guest at the event, said that the bike rally of CRPF women officers, who are highlighting Nari Shakti, is an inspiration to the younger generation. Officials from all over the country participating in the bike rally is mini-India. Olympian Smt. Omana Kumari will flag off the rally leaving for Madurai from CRPF Group Centre, Pallippuram at 06:30 am on October 07, 2023. The rally of women officers of the CRPF is being organised in such a way that they will visit various parts of the country from October 05 to 31 as part of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas.
NS
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